The friends and family of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Timothy “Doc” Cook held a memorial mass at the Gate of Heaven Church and afterwards presented four scholarships in his name to four Boston College High School students, on Sunday, May 1. The scholarship luncheon was held in the basement of the church. The recipients, all South Boston residents, were eighth-grade student Jack Matthews, and three seniors, Michael Arcadipane, Michael Flaherty and Matt McDonnell.
Jack Matthews is the son of John and Amy Matthews. Michael Arcadipane is the son of Thomas and Nancy Arcadipane. He will be attending Merrimack College. Michael Flaherty is the son of Michael and Laurene Flaherty. He will be attending Providence College. And Matt McDonnell is the son of James and Patricia McDonnell. He will be attending UMass Amherst.The scholarships were for $500 for the eighth-grade student and $1,000 for the high school students entering college.
Tim’s father, Joe, was devastated when he lost his son and continues to fight for veterans who need timely, long care treatment due to PTSD as well as other psychological issues they suffer as a result of combat.
Timothy Cook (Courtesy photo)
Timothy Cook died suddenly on March 3, 2013, according to his obituary. He was 28 years old. Cook was a graduate of BC High.
“I’m still fighting for veterans to get the help they need,” Cook said. “They need long term care. Life has its ups and downs but you can’t stop fighting for what is right. Hopefully through my vigilance, veterans will get the treatment they deserve.”
Tim lived his life in the service of his country and family. He was caring and compassionate. He will never be forgotten by family and friends. Edward Flynn, a retired naval officer, spoke about Tim and his commitment to his country.
“Tim was an American hero who left us too soon,” said Flynn. “South Boston’s Timothy Cook served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, deployed to one of the most dangerous places in the world. A combat veteran, Cook volunteered for one of the most difficult military assignments as a hospital corpsman. Dedicated, focused, disciplined and well-trained, he served alongside the Marines in the Global War on Terrorism in Iraq.
“With little fanfare…corpsman are exposed to constant and imminent danger,” Flynn added. “They display a disregard for their own safety while displaying courage under fire and a fierce loyalty to those they serve: the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps.
“Tim always wanted to give back,” Flynn said. “With the assistance of USMC Sergeant Sean McLaughlin, they designed a mass casualty vehicle that assisted in a speedy evacuation and medical care for wounded Marines. Tim continued saving lives through his efforts as the mass casualty vehicle was successfully implemented into every Marine Corps unit in Iraq.”
